Tenerife sailing itinerary - 7 days

Marina in San Miguel de Abona, is an ideal start for a Canary Islands sailing vacation. Base is very close to the airport (about 8km). The marina is located next to Amarilla Golf, a 18- hole golf course with view to the Atlantic Ocean. Above the marina there are several restaurants with ocean view.

We recommend to stay in the Lee des Teide to get used to the conditions of blue water sailing. The day’s tack leads around the southern tip of Tenerife, past the tourist hotspots “Los Cristianos” and “Costa Adeje,” along the coast to the north. With the west coast on starboard, you will reach “Los Gigantes” after several hours. The town is well-known for the cliffs that rise vertically from the sea up to 450 m. The view is spectacular, both on land and on water. The port entrance lies in the north / northwest direction. Shallow waters make it challenging to enter the port due to swell and undertow. You may visit Playa de Masca with its pirate caves about 3 nm north of the port entrance of Los Gigantes, or go hiking on the famous cliffs. About 1 km from the marina, there is a Lidl supermarket and another 500 m further a Mercadona.

Wake up early to set up sails to Santa Cruz de La Palma. It is also known as the “Isla Verde,” which means “Green Island.” It earned this name because of the forests that cover more than 40% of the island. If you head up northwest, you leave the cliffs behind and leave Tenerife’s lee after about 13 nm. From this point on, the sea may get rough. Perhaps you are lucky enough to see or even be accompanied by the numerous whales and dolphins here during this day-long passage. After a long day at sea, La Palma is getting closer. The port offers you two marinas: a smaller one in the south and a new one in the north with large berths and room to maneuver. If you are not too tired from sailing, take a stroll through Santa Cruz.

We recommend to take one day to explore the island. The numerous mountain passes lead you to the highest peak of La Palma, the “Roque de Los Muchachos.” Several observatories are situated on its ridge, making for an impressive sight. On a clear day, you can spot the neighboring islands “La Gomera,” “El Hierro,” and “Tenerife” on the horizon. Even if the weather’s not playing ball, you still have a magnificent view of La Palma. Visit local restaurants located in small villages that offer local specialties.

Set up sails for a long passage to La Gomera. With the north-east trade winds coming from the port side, you will leave Santa Cruz heading south-east. Today’s destination is “Valle Gran Rey,” is the most famous tourist destination in La Gomera and is located on the southwest coast. Marina “Puerto Vueltas” is only used for small fishing boats, so you may park only along the quay and the south pier. You may also anchor in a bay near the port entrance. It is located half a nautical mile south-east of the port. Once moored you may explore the districts of “La Playa” and “Calera” Valle Gran Rey is considered the most important place for tourism, but you will find very few people there.

Your destination is the capital of the island - “San Sebastian”, located 18nm from Valley Gran Rey. This is a small town with a population of around 9000 that is known as the starting point for Christopher Columbus’ trip to India. Marina “San Sebastian” is protected by the ports in the northern part, it has electricity and water. In the afternoon you may spend some time at Playa de San Sebastian or explore the tower “Torre del Conde”, the Columbus fountain, and the church “Nuestra Señora de la Asunción.” If you rent a car you may visit Garajonay National Park with most extensive laurel forest on earth and countless hiking trails through unspoiled nature. With a bit of luck, you will be able to hear the unique whistle of the goatherds. Evening in one of the tapas bars.

A week of sailing is coming to an end, and finally, it’s time to sail miles again. After sailing around the pier, you need to head easterly direction. With a bit of luck, you will have another chance to sail with whales and dolphins. If you have some time, you may sail to Playa de las Americas and stop for a swim in the sheltered bay “Playa del Camison” before heading back to Amarilla Marina in San Miguel.